Steven Ricard (197-F-90) and Aziz Dia (202-F/C-90) change teams for the next season. Both players however will remain in France. Lourdes-Tarbes landed 23-year old forward Steven Ricard. He played last at Rueil Athletic Club in NM1. In 30 games he averaged 6.0ppg and 2.5rpg last season. Earlier Ricard played at Charenton.Union La Rochelle brought 23-year old power forward Aziz Dia. Earlier he played for Le Mans JALT in NM2. Before Dia played at Tremblay (NM2). IN 2010/2011 season he played at ALM Evreux (ProB). But in 13 games he recorded just 1.5ppg that season. Dia has played previously for another French team SPO Rouen.

Blue's double-double lands him Player of the Week award - 10 hours ago

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33-year old power forward Tim Blue (205-PF-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's best team Antibes and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1. He had a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds, while his team crushed, the league's bottom-ranked team Strasbourg (#18, 0-1) with 22-point margin 79-57. Thanks to this victory Antibes moved-up to the 1st position in French league. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Antibes won just o... [read more]

33-year old power forward Tim Blue (205-PF-84) had an amazing evening in the last round for league's best team Antibes and receives a Eurobasket.com Player of the Week award for round 1.He had a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds, while his team crushed, the league's bottom-ranked team Strasbourg (#18, 0-1) with 22-point margin 79-57. Thanks to this victory Antibes moved-up to the 1st position in French league. But it's just the very beginning of the season and Antibes won just one (their first) game. It's too early to say anything as the standings can be changed completely after next round. In the team's last game Blue had a remarkable 78.6% from 2-point range. He has many years of experience at Antibes, through which he has constantly improved. Middle Tennessee State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Blue is league's best scorer averaging so far 29.0ppg. Blue is in league's top in rebounds (5th best: 10.0rpg) and averages solid 78.6% FGP.

Second best performed player last round was Zachery Peacock (203-C-87) of Bourg. He is American center in his 3rd season at Bourg. In the last game Peacock recorded impressive 22 points and 8 rebounds. Bad luck as Bourg lost that game 86-92 to Nanterre (1-0). The season is still at the very beginning and this lost game may not be such crucial, of course if they start win the games. Let's wait for the next round. Peacock is one of the most experienced players at Bourg and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 22.0ppg (#2). He also registered 8.0 boards per game.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Klemen Prepelic (191-G-92) of Paris-Levallois (#17). Prepelic showcased his all-around game by recording 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in the last round. Despite Prepelic's great performance Paris-Levallois lost 71-77 to Monaco (#7, 1-0). But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates. The season just started for Prepelic as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

The Player of the week is chosen based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

Sacramento Kings (NBA) landed 32-year old guard Marcus Williams (191-101kg-85, college: Connecticut). He played most recently at Cholet Basket in French ProA. Williams managed to play in three leagues in two countries last year (!!!). In 9 ProA games he averaged 8.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg and 1.0spg. He also played that season for Buducnost in Montenegrin league where in 7 Eurocup games he had 12.3ppg, 1.3rpg and 5.1apg. Williams also played 27 games in ABA League where he recorded 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg [read more]

Sacramento Kings (NBA) landed 32-year old guard Marcus Williams (191-101kg-85, college: Connecticut). He played most recently at Cholet Basket in French ProA. Williams managed to play in three leagues in two countries last year (!!!). In 9 ProA games he averaged 8.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg and 1.0spg. He also played that season for Buducnost in Montenegrin league where in 7 Eurocup games he had 12.3ppg, 1.3rpg and 5.1apg. Williams also played 27 games in ABA League where he recorded 10.3ppg, 2.5rpg and 6.1apg.In 2006 he was drafted by New Jersey Nets in first round (22nd overall). Williams attended University of Connecticut and it will be his twelfth (!!!) season in pro basketball.Among other achievements he won Serbian League championship title in 2015. Williams received also Eurobasket.com All-Serbian League Honorable Mention award in 2015.He is a very experienced player. And here thanks to pro basketball Williams experienced life in six different countries playing on four different continents. He is familiar with European, Asian, Latin American and of course North American leagues. Williams has played previously professionally in China (Jiangsu Dragons), Puerto Rico (Manati), Russia (Unics Kazan, Enisey and Lokomotiv), Spain (Unicaja Malaga), NBA (Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies) and Serbia (Crvena Zvezda).Let's have closer look into His outlook:
(by David Duane for NBADraft.net in 2006)
He's a threat from the outside now which allows him to penetrate and dish or finish more often ... When big men challenge him in the paint, he uses a crafty floater/tear drop type of shot that he has really perfected ... He is practically unstoppable in the open court because his decision making is so quick and precise ...
Though he makes the right decision on the break, oftentimes he turns the ball over after drive in the lane while trying to feed teammates ... Actually needs to be more selfish at times, especially late in games when teammates are struggling ...

The Regular Season in ProA just started. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Chalons-Reims (0-1) on the court of JDA Dijon on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by JDA Dijon 86-61. The game was mostly controlled by JDA Dijon. Chalons-Reims managed to win third quarter 18-15. But it was n... [read more]

The Regular Season in ProA just started. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Chalons-Reims (0-1) on the court of JDA Dijon on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by JDA Dijon 86-61. The game was mostly controlled by JDA Dijon. Chalons-Reims managed to win third quarter 18-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Chadian forward Jacques Alingue (201-88) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Nigerian-American guard Rasheed Sulaimon (193-94, college: Maryland) contributed with 12 points for the winners. American power forward Ed Daniel (203-90, college: Murray St.) answered with 8 points and 7 rebounds for Chalons-Reims. Chalons-Reims' coach Cedric Heitz gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. JDA Dijon is looking forward to face Gravelines-Dunkerque (#15) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Chalons-Reims will play against Olympique Antibes (#1) and is hoping to win this game. An interesting game for Le Portel (1-0) which hosted in Le Portel Cholet Basket (0-1). Le Portel managed to get a 11-point victory 73-62. American center Jakim Donaldson (204-83, college: Edinboro) stepped up and scored 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and Franklin Hassell chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. Le Portel's coach Eric Girard allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side point guard David Michineau (191-94) responded with 19 points. Le Portel will play against JL Bourg (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cholet Basket will play against Hyeres-Toulon to get more than just one victory in their record. An interesting game for Olympique Antibes (1-0) which hosted in Antibes Strasbourg IG (0-1). Olympique Antibes had an easy win 79-57. Tim Blue nailed a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Louis Labeyrie came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 14 rebounds for Strasbourg IG in the defeat. Strasbourg IG's coach already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Olympique Antibes will meet Chalons-Reims (#13) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Strasbourg IG will play against Paris-Levallois (#17) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. A very interesting game took place in Villeurbanne. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of Limoges CSP Elite (0-1) to ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (1-0) 71-68 on Sunday evening. David Lighty fired 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Limoges CSP Elite's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket's next round opponent will be Boulazac Basket (#10) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Limoges CSP Elite will play against Chalon/Saor and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Worth to mention about the upset in a game between JL Bourg (0-1) and JSF Nanterre (1-0), which took place in Nanterre. JL Bourg lost to JSF Nanterre in a road game 86-92 on Saturday. It was a very good performance for Jamal Shuler who helped to win the game recording 11 points and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. JSF Nanterre will face Pau-Lacq-Orthez (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. JL Bourg will play against Le Portel and hope to win that game.

Other games in round 1 were not that significant. Gravelines lost to Le Mans on the road 63-103. Hyeres-Toulon won against Boulazac on its own court 70-63. Pau-Lacq-Orthez outscored Chalon in a road game 82-62. Paris-Levallois lost to Monaco at home 71-77. The most impressive performance of 1st round was 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists by Klemen Prepelic of Paris-Levallois.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Chalons-Reims (0-1) on the court of JDA Dijon on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by JDA Dijon 86-61. The game was mostly controlled by JDA Dijon. Chalons-Reims managed to win third quarter 18-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Chadian forward Jacques Alingue (201-88) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 6 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Nigerian-American guard Rasheed Sulaimon (193-94, college: Maryland) contributed with 12 points for the winners. Four JDA Dijon players scored in double figures. American power forward Ed Daniel (203-90, college: Murray St.) answered with 8 points and 7 rebounds and Ghanian-American forward Ben Bentil (206-95, college: Providence) added 12 points in the effort for Chalons-Reims. Chalons-Reims' coach Cedric Heitz gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. JDA Dijon is looking forward to face Gravelines-Dunkerque (#15) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Chalons-Reims will play against Olympique Antibes (#1) and is hoping to win this game. Top scorers:Chalons-Reims: B.Bentil 12+3reb+1ast, M.Hermannsson 10+1ast, L.Ulmer 8+3reb, E.Daniel 8+7reb+1ast, R.Duport 7+2reb, W.Deane 6+4reb+3astDijon: J.Alingue 16+6reb, R.Pearson 15+1reb, R.Sulaimon 12+2reb+2ast, S.Taylor Jr. 10+5reb+1ast, V.Bigote 9+3reb+1ast, R.Brown 8

A very interesting game took place in Villeurbanne. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of Limoges CSP Elite (0-1) to ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (1-0) 71-68 on Sunday evening. It looked good early as Limoges CSP Elite took a 7-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket had a 19-7 second period charge getting the lead and Limoges CSP Elite was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 68-71. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket dominated on the defensive end, holding Limoges CSP Elite to just 7 points in second quarter. American swingman David Lighty (195-88, college: Ohio St.) fired 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. His fellow American import center Darryl Watkins (211-84, college: Syracuse, agency: Inception Sports) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. William Howard (202-93) produced 18 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Axel Bouteille (200-95) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Limoges CSP Elite's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket's next round opponent will be Boulazac Basket (#10) on the road and are hoping to win another game. Limoges CSP Elite will play against Chalon/Saor and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Limoges: W.Howard 18+8reb, A.Bouteille 16+7reb, B.Conklin 9+3reb+2ast, K.Hayes 9+1reb+2ast, M.Jaiteh 8+4reb+1ast, D.Gibson 5+1reb+1astASVEL: J.Roberson 14+5ast, A.Noua 14+2reb+2ast, D.Watkins 12+9reb, D.Lighty 8+8reb+5ast, N.Lang 7+1reb, D.Nelson 5+4reb+1ast

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between JL Bourg (0-1) and JSF Nanterre (1-0), which took place in Nanterre. JL Bourg lost to JSF Nanterre in a road game 86-92 on Saturday. JL Bourg was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 1-point lead after three quarters before a 25-18 charge of JSF Nanterre, which allowed them to win the game. It was a very good performance for American Jamal Shuler (191-86, college: VCU) who helped to win the game recording 11 points and 5 assists. German point guard Heiko Schaffartzik (183-84) contributed with 15 points and 4 assists for the winners. American center Zachery Peacock (203-87, college: Georgia Tech) answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import point guard Garrett Sim (188-90, college: Oregon) added 11 points and 7 assists in the effort for JL Bourg. Four JSF Nanterre and five JL Bourg players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. JSF Nanterre will face Pau-Lacq-Orthez (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. JL Bourg will play against Le Portel and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Bourg: Z.Peacock 22+8reb+1ast, C.Simon 13+4reb+1ast, M.Wojciechowski 12+5reb+1ast, Y.Ndoye 11+2reb+1ast, G.Sim 11+2reb+7ast, G.Biruta 9+2reb+1astNanterre: H.Schaffartzik 15+4ast, L.Konate 13+3reb+1ast, A.Aminu 12+5reb, E.Murphy 11+3reb+1ast, H.Invernizzi 11+3reb+1ast, J.Shuler 11+4reb+5ast

Le Mans used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Gravelines 103-63 on Saturday night. The game without a history. Le Mans led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. Le Mans outrebounded Gravelines-Dunkerque 46-22 including a 34-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American players dominated the game. Quite impressive performance for Mykal Riley (196-85, college: Alabama) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Guard Justin Cobbs (190-91, college: California, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Le Mans' coach Eric Bartecheky felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Point guard D.J. Cooper (183-90, college: Ohio, agency: Inception Sports) answered with 5 points and 13 assists and power forward Taylor Smith (199-91, college: SF Austin) added 10 points in the effort for Gravelines-Dunkerque. Five Le Mans and four Gravelines-Dunkerque players scored in double figures. Le Mans will face Monaco (#7) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Gravelines-Dunkerque will play against JDA Dijon and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Gravelines: W.Buford 13+2reb, T.Allen 13+2reb, T.Smith 10+4reb+2ast, B.Sene 10+3reb+2ast, J.Mipoka 8+5reb, D.Cooper 5+3reb+13astLe Mans: J.Jeanne 17+7reb, P.Amagou 16+1reb+1ast, M.Riley 16+6reb+7ast, Y.Fall 13+6reb, J.Cobbs 11+6reb+9ast, R.Travis 10+11reb+4ast

An interesting game for Le Portel (1-0) which hosted in Le Portel Cholet Basket (0-1). Le Portel managed to get a 11-point victory 73-62. The game was mostly controlled by Le Portel. Cholet Basket was better in second period 22-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Cholet Basket 35-24 including 24 on the defensive glass. Le Portel players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. American center Jakim Donaldson (204-83, college: Edinboro) stepped up and scored 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import power forward Franklin Hassell (205-88, college: ODU) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. Four Le Portel players scored in double figures. Le Portel's coach Eric Girard allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the losing side point guard David Michineau (191-94) responded with 19 points and American Toddrick Gotcher (190-93, college: Texas Tech) scored 13 points and 4 assists. Le Portel will play against JL Bourg (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cholet Basket will play against Hyeres-Toulon to get more than just one victory in their record. Top scorers:Cholet: D.Michineau 19+1reb+2ast, T.Gotcher 13+2reb+4ast, R.Evans 8+11reb, J.Boutsiele 7+7reb+3ast, I.Evtimov 7+3ast, H.Palsson 4+1reb+1astLe Portel: F.Hassell 16+7reb+1ast, T.Golden 14+6reb+3ast, J.Donaldson 13+9reb+3ast, B.Mangin 11+4ast, D.Odiakosa 5+4reb+2ast, G.Chathuant 5+1reb

Chalon/Saor was not able to use a home court advantage and was rolled over by the opponent from Pau 82-62 on Saturday night. The game without a history. Pau-Lacq-Orthez led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Chalon/Saor's players. Quite impressive performance for point guard Elie-Franck Okobo (188-97) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 8 assists. The former international center Alain Koffi (207-83, agency: BeoBasket) contributed with 13 points for the winners. Four Pau-Lacq-Orthez players scored in double figures. American forward James Farr (208-92, college: Xavier) answered with 8 points and 8 rebounds and naturalized Cameroonian Jeremy Nzeulie (188-91) added 11 points in the effort for Chalon/Saor. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Pau-Lacq-Orthez will face JSF Nanterre (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Chalon/Saor will play against Limoges CSP Elite and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Chalon: A.Smith 14+1reb+2ast, J.Nzeulie 11+3reb+3ast, R.Putney 8+5reb+1ast, J.Farr 8+8reb+2ast, O.Camara 7+7reb, A.Rozenfeld 6+1astPau-Lacq-Orthez: E.Okobo 14+3reb+8ast, A.Koffi 13+4reb+1ast, K.Boukichou 12+2reb+1ast, T.Pinero 10+5reb, K.Horton 10+5reb+3ast, C.Dowe 9+5reb+3ast

An interesting game for Olympique Antibes (1-0) which hosted in Antibes Strasbourg IG (0-1). Olympique Antibes had an easy win 79-57. The hosts trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 44-19 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Olympique Antibes outrebounded Strasbourg IG 46-31 including a 34-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. American Tim Blue (205-84, college: Middle Tenn.St.) nailed a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import point guard Jerel Blassingame (175-81, college: UNLV) accounted for 14 points and 9 assists. Four Olympique Antibes players scored in double figures. International power forward Louis Labeyrie (208-92) came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 14 rebounds and American-Polish guard David Logan (185-82, college: Indianapolis) added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Strasbourg IG in the defeat. Strasbourg IG's coach already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Olympique Antibes will meet Chalons-Reims (#13) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Strasbourg IG will play against Paris-Levallois (#17) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers:Strasbourg: M.Dixon 18+1reb+2ast, D.Logan 13+6reb+4ast, L.Labeyrie 11+14reb+1ast, D.Atkins 6+3reb+1ast, J.Leloup 3+1reb+1ast, C.Otule 2+2rebAntibes: T.Blue 29+10reb, J.Blassingame 14+2reb+9ast, V.Sanford 13+2reb+2ast, P.Rigot 10+8reb, M.Yarou 6+17reb+2ast, J.Tornato 6+6reb

Paris-Levallois was not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Monaco 77-71 on Saturday night. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-18. But Paris-Levallois won second period 22-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Monaco looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Quite impressive performance for Bosnian center Elmedin Kikanovic (211-88, agency: BeoBasket) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 8 rebounds. Naturalized Mali forward Amara Sy (202-81, agency: BeoBasket) contributed with 17 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Slovenian guard Klemen Prepelic (191-92) answered with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American power forward Gavin Ware (206-93, college: Mississippi St.) added 12 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Paris-Levallois. Four Paris-Levallois players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Monaco will face Le Mans (#5) at home in the next round. Paris-Levallois will play against Strasbourg IG (#18) and hope to win that game. Top scorers:Paris-Levallois: K.Prepelic 21+5reb+5ast, L.Campbell 13+3reb+4ast, G.Ware 12+8reb+1ast, C.Eliezer-Vanerot 11+1ast, P.Cornelie 4+8reb, D.Nwaelele 3+3rebMonaco: E.Kikanovic 17+8reb+2ast, A.Sy 17+4reb+1ast, A.Craft 9+3reb+1ast, G.Robinson 9+1reb+2ast, C.Evans 8+4reb, P.Lacombe 6+3reb+10ast

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